After the "busty beach babe" (aka Pamela Anderson) was voted off last week, the competition heated up as the remaining five couples prepared to dance two routines each in tonight's 2 hour episode.
Chad, expressing that he is ready to take things more seriously, was up first tackling the tango with partner Cheryl. It was disconcerting seeing Chad look uncomfortable in his own skin when he's usually so confident- but he looked awkward and gawky throughout the routine.
Len expressed that the routine needed more polish and refinemen
T. Bruno was happy with Chad's emotional involvement but said he needs to be slicker while Carrie Ann loved the attack and intensity but thought Chad's posture was funky. Chad and Cheryl received 7s from all three judges.
Niecy and Louis were next, dancing the Viennese Waltz and riding the wave of their well-received Quickstep last week. Niecy was surprisingly graceful during the routine, and though Bruno said she looked like she was being chased by a swarm of wasps- it was only "a tiny little thing in an otherwise good performance." Carrie Ann thinks Niecy should work on her transitions, while Len made some awkward comments about Niecy's breasts-I think. Carrie Ann gave the duo a 7 while Bruno and Len gave them 8s.
Erin and Maks' pre-routine videos continue to be my absolute favorites-"How do you want it to look?" "Not like I'm humping a fire hydrant." The pair's Argentine Tango was steamy and the audience as well as Erin and Maks seemed extremely happy with the routine. The judges loved it as well. Carrie Ann was moved to kiss Len on the cheek, calling the routine daring, committed, and truly beautiful. Len exclaimed, "You dirty, dirty girl. I absolutely loved it." And Bruno called Maks a lucky fire hydrant. Carrie and Bruno awarded the routine 9s while Len gave them a 10!
This week, Evan and Ana, the first perfect scoring team, aimed to perform the most romantic waltz ever seen on Dancing with the Stars. I wouldn't go that far, but the routine was lovely. Not that this is news, but Evan is so graceful! The routine confused Len, who wasn't sure if he liked it or no
T. Bruno and Carrie Ann agreed that Evan's lines are "something to behold." Despite each having their own criticisms of the dance, all three judges gave Evan and Ana 9s.
Finishing up the ballroom round was Nicole, who is feeling the pressure of keeping up with the quality of her previous performances. Nicole shouldn't have been worried, because yet again she proved that she's an amazing dancer. Bruno called the routine one and a half minutes of pure dancing joy. Carrie Ann pointed out that Nicole continues to challenge herself while Len echoed the positive thoughts. Nicole and Derek came close to a perfect score with two 10s and a 9 from Len.
Before the next round of routines, Gary and Rita Gekhman performed a futuristic dance complete with silver paint and light up costumes. The routine was a little creepy, but awesome at the same time. If they changed the color of the paint, it would have looked like Avatars ballroom dancing!
Chad and Cheryl were assigned the 60's jive, and Cheryl commented that Chad didn't have to act much- his character is all about the ladies and throwing his money around. Ouch! Chad ended his video by poetically proclaiming, "I'm going to float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, and dance my ass off like I'm in a tree." Beautifully said, Chad. Despite his ridiculous costume, Chad attacked the dance, making it much more enjoyable to watch than his first of the night. Carrie Ann, Bruno, and Len all enjoyed the routine and were happy to see Chad enjoying himself and having fun. The two improved on their scores from the first routine, receiving three 8s.
Next up were Niecy and Louis with a 90's inspired Paso Doble. The print on Louis' shirt and Niecy's dress was a little blinding, but on the plus side, Niecy seemed more intense and powerful than usual. Unfortunately, the judge's weren't too kind. Bruno thought Niecy needed more control and though Carrie Ann acknowledged that it was their most ambitious routine yet, she said that the balance of power between Louis and Niecy wasn't very good. Len ended the harsh judging by telling Niecy that while she got through it, it wasn't good enough and that the Paso Doble didn't suit her.
Hey, now there's a commercial that has "Let the Sunshine In" on it!
Niecy and Louis' scores were two 7s and a not-so-nice 6.
Erin and Maks were next with an 80's-style Rumba. It was nice seeing Erin start off by herself, and I enjoyed the fact that Erin's purple leg warmers matched Maks' shirt. It was a nice dance, but I didn't really get a "rumba" feel from it. Overall, the judges were positive, but Carrie Ann said that Erin needs to show more confidence. Len thought that the movements were jerky, but Bruno ended by saying that they deserve to be in the finals. The judges gave them two 8s and a 9. I'm impressed at how deftly Erin and Maks avoid questions on their l relationship. Personally, I hope that they are together!
The Futuristic Cha-Cha by Evan and Ana was one of my favorite routines of the season. It was really different, but it still looked like dancing. I also loved the turntable platforms that they started and ended on, they were a great touch. Len was again confused, enjoying the futuristic part of the dance, but not really feeling the cha-cha. Bruno thought the routine was very inventive and creative while Carrie Ann was glad Evan committed to the character and thought that the stiff movements worked stylistically. Evan and Ana received two 9s and an 8.
Last up were Nicole and Derek, choreographically confused with a 1950's Paso Doble. This "Elvis meets bull fight" Paso Doble was so much fun to watch. Nicole really attacks every move that she makes. Bruno said, "The color of Spain has never tasted so good," while Carrie Ann wondered how they did it- calling the routine brilliant. Len couldn't find anything to criticize! And YAY, the judges gave them a perfect score! What a great way to end the night.
Nicole and Derek finished the night on top while Niecy and Louis ended up being the lowest scoring team.
All 4 teams showcase their fancy footwork on Mondays, at 8:00-10:00 PM. The couple with the lowest combined judges' scores and public votes for both performances will be sent home.
Viewers may cast their votes for their favorite teams via phone on Monday night during and up to 30 minutes after the "Dancing with the Stars" performance shows. AT&T customers may also text message their votes by texting the word "VOTE" and entering the number that corresponds to the team they want to support (message and data rates may apply). Viewers may also vote online at www.abc.com starting from the opening of each episode on the East Coast and until 12:00 Noon, ET the following day.
Hosted by
Tom Bergeron ("America's Funniest Home Videos"), the celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers
Bruno Tonioli and
Carrie Ann Inaba, who all return for their tenth season together.
"Dancing with the Stars" is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, "Strictly Come Dancing." This version is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Rob Wade is co-executive producer. Alex Rudzinski directs. "Dancing with the Stars" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.
BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). In the U.S., BBC Worldwide Productions, one of BBC Worldwide's seven core businesses, is based in Los Angeles and New York. It is responsible for the smash hit "Dancing with the Stars" and develops scripted and non-scripted projects for U.S. cable and broadcast networks.
